The Top Brazilian Amazon Wildlife

Having decided on the best time for you to travel to the Brazilian Amazon, all that’s left is to begin getting excited for the sheer range of wildlife you are about to encounter.

With 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish species and more than 370 types of reptiles among many others there are some of the world’s most weird and wonderful wildlife on offer.

A journey into this verdant and pristine environment is an adventure like no other and can in fact have a more profound effect on you than you might have previously expected. With such a wide range and touching just the tip of the iceberg, here is a list of some of our top Brazilian Amazon wildlife that you should make sure to keep an eye out for.

A unique Brazilian Amazon wildlife experience

♦ Brown-Throated Sloths

Not to be confused with one of the seven deadly sins, the Brown-Throated Sloth is the most common of the four species of 3-toed sloths found in the Amazon Rainforest. The Brown-Throated Sloth is a bizarre creature and is about the same size as a cat with a round head, short snout, small eyes, long legs, tiny ears and stubby tail as well as having a constantly happy expression.

Without a doubt the Brown-Throated Sloth is one of the strangest yet most sought after creatures to see in the Brazilian Amazon.

These strange herbivores are the epitome of Brazil’s relaxing vibe to the extent that their slow movement and metabolism means that it can take up to a month for a sloth to digest just one meal. Keep your eyes on the trees and canopy above as their algae-covered fur can make them hard to see as they blend into the surrounding forest environment.

♦ Piranhas

With the James Bond scene from ‘You Only Live Twice’ where the evil Blofeld sends Helga Brandt into a pool of piranhas to be eaten alive still fresh in your mind, your mixed feelings of coming face to face with wild piranhas is understandable. Filled with both intrigue and trembling nerves, seeking out piranhas in the Brazilian Amazon is an unforgettable and unique experience.

Interestingly, and contrary to popular belief, most piranhas eat fallen fruit instead of people.

Armed with just a stick, a hook and a piece of meat, you can go on a Piranha Fishing Experience in the Amazon in Brazil where you should make sure to spare a peek through your fingers as you see locals or your guide take a refreshing dip in the piranha filled waters. Although you may not feel the same urge to join them, this experience will go some way to rewrite their terrifying reputation.

Watch your fingers when fishing for piranhas

♦ Pink River Dolphins

One of the stars of the Brazilian Amazon is the Pink River Dolphin which ranges in color from dull gray-pink shades to bright flamingo pink colors. After all, who was the last person you met that said they had seen a pink dolphin? The darker the water, the pinker the dolphin is as the water helps protect the dolphin’s bright shade and you’ll be able to see this variety as they happily swim up to your Amazon River boat to welcome you to their home.

With an average length of about 6.5ft, these freshwater Pink River Dolphins are different from their ocean jumping cousins.

The main differences are their paddle-like flippers that help them maneuver through the flooded forests of the Brazilian Amazon and their necks which they are able to move side to side which most other dolphin species cannot.

Meet the colorful Pink River Dolphins

♦ Macaws

Growing up to 3ft. from head to tail, the Macaws are the largest tropical parrots and his colorful-feathered bird is the personification of being in an exotic destination. The blue and yellow macaw which is also referred to as the blue and gold macaw is one of seven species of macaws that can be found in the Amazon.

Their bright colors and their nonchalant attitude to humans means that you will not have to go far to spot these stunning birds.

Often hanging around the Amazon Lodges, you’ll be able to happily snap the macaws in their natural habitat, making for some really beautiful photos.

The Brazilian is full of beautiful Macaws

♦ Monkeys

When traveling to the Brazilian Amazon, people always want to know when they can see the monkeys. There’s something about seeing monkeys in the wild that captures travelers imagination and the Amazon has its fair share on offer.

Hearing the chilling calls of howler monkeys, or catching a glimpse of squirrel or capuchin monkeys swinging from tree to tree will have you snapping away with your camera.

Squirrel monkeys are the most populous in the Amazon Rainforest and often congregating in groups of around 20 to 100 you will have the greatest chance of seeing this particular species. Armed with a knowledgeable Amazon guide is essential if you are to see these agile monkeys and come face to face with an adorable capuchin monkey.